Om Namah Shivaayah!
OK, don't worry, I haven't decided to drink the kool-aid... yet.
I survived my first week at the ashram. Better than survived, really. I find that I'm actually really enjoying my time here, and actually considering signing on for the 28-day program (my own little version of rehab, perhaps...). I am doing tons of yoga, have had 3 massages so far, and things are happening to my back that I can only describe as miraculous. It is some serious clean living though... no alcohol, no caffeine, no meat, no eggs, not even and garlic or onion as they're seen as "exciting" to the system.
I am getting used to the early-morning wake-up bell (5:20!), my "karma yoga" or selfless-service (cleaning the toilets), and eating with my hands whilst sitting on the floor. I love the yoga asana classes, the food (surprise!) and the gorgeous surroundings. Most of the people here are great too, although a few of the "long-termers" are a little offputting. The meditation and silence piece is probably the most difficult for me, but I am gradually learning to be still. The chanting has been a bit of a challenge for me too, and some of the "devotion" practiced here has definitely sparked some questions for me about what it is exactly that I believe...
This is an incredible place in terms of location (beautiful lake and jungles surrounding) and as an opportunity for self-reflection, stillness, cleansing, and exercise. It feels like a really nice way to start winding down this whole amazing experience. I know that staying here longer means missing out on some sights and scenes in India, but I know this trip was never really much about "sight-seeing" anyway. Saturday marks 8 months since I left Seattle, so it looks like I made it, as far as the Bonderman goes. I will actually be home in just over a month...
I won't check emails any more than probably once a week, so I'll continue to be a bit "out of the loop", but please do write to me, I love hearing from all of you! For now, I'll leave you with my week in numbers...
Hours I have spent in yoga class: 16
Number of times I have managed to get myself into (& out of!) this position: 3
Times I have been (gently) reprimanded for talking (or giggling) when I should be silent: 3 (some things never change)
Number of times I have fallen asleep during what I have begun to refer to as "7 minutes in heaven" or the relaxation portion of yoga class: More than 10 (this implies I am not exercising enough control over my mind, but when I get home ask me to demonstrate my Columbian yoga teacher's relaxation/hypnosis technique... I keep wishing I could record it; I could make a killing selling it as a sleep-aid).
Gotta run, time for class.
More soon....
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